Applications close Mid-August 2026.

2026 Traineeship Program

Start here.
Go further than you imagined.

Paid, hands-on placement inside a Stride Early Learning Centre. Nationally recognised qualification. No HECS. No prior experience needed.

Apply now

For students

Is this the career you want? Find out before you commit.

No university debt. No guessing. Paid, real work from day one inside a professional early learning centre. If early childhood education is the path, this is where that career starts.

For parents

A nationally recognised qualification for your child, at no cost, with a real career at the end.

The Stride Traineeship leads to a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, delivered through Stride's registered RTO. Structured, supported, and fully accredited.

$0Cost to trainee at any stage of the programme

Cert IIINationally recognised qualification on completion

Day oneContributing team member from the first day

The placement

Not work experience. A real career placement.

Trainees rotate across every area of a Stride Early Learning Centre from day one, working alongside qualified educators, centre leadership, and the kitchen team.

The rooms

Working across baby, toddler, and kindy rooms with children at every stage of early development, alongside qualified educators throughout.

Centre leadership

Time with the Centre Manager to understand how the centre is run, what quality looks like, and how decisions are made.

Kitchen and nutrition

Working alongside the cook to understand meal preparation, food safety, and nutrition in an early learning environment.

Facilities and operations

Understanding the physical upkeep, presentation standards, stock management, and systems that keep a Stride centre running smoothly.

Programming and learning environments

Resetting rooms, contributing ideas for activities, and seeing firsthand how intentional learning environments are created.

Process

From application to first day

Apply

Closes 31 July 2026

Shortlisting

Applications reviewed

Breakout Day

Experience Stride firsthand

Offers made

Contracts issued

Start date

TBC, confirmed at offer

Programme details

Everything you need to know

Programme structure

Probation period 3 months

Contract length12 to 24 months

Part-time or full-timeEither, candidate's choice

Cost to traineeNo cost at any stage

Qualification

Qualification awardedCertificate III ECEC

Delivered byStride's registered RTO

RTO enrolmentPost-probation

Applications close31 July 2026

Who can apply

Eligibility criteria

✓

Aged 17 and over

At the time of application

✓

Year 11 or 12, or VET enrolled

Currently studying

✓

Australian citizen or permanent resident

Confirmed at application

✓

Genuine interest in early childhood

No prior experience required

FAQs

Common questions

Is the traineeship paid?

Trainees are paid employees of Stride Early Learning for the duration of the placement. The Certificate III qualification is delivered through Stride's registered RTO at no cost to the trainee at any stage.

Do I need prior experience to apply?

No prior experience is required. A genuine interest in working with children is what matters. The programme is designed for people considering this as a career who want to find out before committing long term.

What is the Breakout Day?

Shortlisted applicants are invited to a Breakout Day at a nominated Stride Early Learning Centre. The day includes group sessions, a centre tour, and time with the Stride teamgiving candidates a genuine feel for what working at Stride looks like.

Can I apply if I am under 18?

Yes. Applicants aged 17 are eligible to apply. The application form includes a section for parent or guardian details and consent, which must be completed for all applicants under 18.

Will I need a police check or Working With Children Check?

Successful candidates are required to complete a National Police Clearance and a Working With Children Check as part of mandatory pre-employment checks under National Law. These are arranged after an offer is made.

Is the placement part-time or full-time?

Either. The programme is available as part-time or full-time and the arrangement is agreed based on the candidate's circumstances and the needs of the centre. Indicate preferred days on the application form.

Which centres are participating?

The first intake is across six Stride Early Learning Centres in the Perth metro: Ardross, Ashby, Baldivis, Perth – Elizabeth Quay (CBD), Brabham, and Midland.

What happens after the traineeship?

Trainees who complete the programme and earn their Certificate III can progress into a qualified educator role within Stride. Stride invests in the professional development of its educators and offers a clear career pathway for those who want to grow within the organisation.

Ready to apply?

Applications close 31 July 2026. Places are limited across six Perth centres. Complete the form and a member of the Stride team will be in touch.

Apply now

Start here.
Go further than you imagined.

Is this the career you want? Find out before you commit.

A nationally recognised qualification for your child, at no cost, with a real career at the end.

Not work experience. A real career placement.

The rooms

Centre leadership

Kitchen and nutrition

Facilities and operations

Programming and learning environments

From application to first day

Apply

Shortlisting

Breakout Day

Offers made

Start date

Everything you need to know

Eligibility criteria

Aged 17 and over

Year 11 or 12, or VET enrolled

Australian citizen or permanent resident

Genuine interest in early childhood

Common questions

Ready to apply?

Stride into our community
where your child will thrive

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Download Parent Handbook

Traineeship

Start here.Go further than you imagined.

Is this the career you want? Find out before you commit.

A nationally recognised qualification for your child, at no cost, with a real career at the end.

Not work experience. A real career placement.

The rooms

Centre leadership

Kitchen and nutrition

Facilities and operations

Programming and learning environments

From application to first day

Apply

Shortlisting

Breakout Day

Offers made

Start date

Everything you need to know

Eligibility criteria

Aged 17 and over

Year 11 or 12, or VET enrolled

Australian citizen or permanent resident

Genuine interest in early childhood

Common questions

Ready to apply?

Stride into our communitywhere your child will thrive

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Book a Tour

Enrol Now

Download Parent Handbook

Start here.
Go further than you imagined.

Stride into our community
where your child will thrive